Voltage regulator or non-volatile memories implemented with low-voltage transistors

ABSTRACT

A voltage regulator integrated in a chip of semiconductor material is provided. The regulator has a first input terminal for receiving a first voltage and an output terminal for providing a regulated voltage being obtained from the first voltage, the regulator including: a differential amplifier for receiving a comparison voltage and a feedback signal being a function of the regulated voltage, and for proving a regulation signal according to a comparison between the comparison voltage and the feedback signal, the differential amplifier having a first supply terminal being coupled with a reference terminal for receiving a reference voltage and a second supply terminal, a regulation transistor having a control terminal for receiving the regulation signal, and a conduction first terminal and a conduction second terminal being coupled through loading means between the reference terminal and the first input terminal of the regulator, the second terminal of the regulation transistor being coupled with the output terminal of the regulator, wherein the second supply terminal of the differential amplifier is coupled with a second input terminal of the regulator for receiving a second voltage being lower than the first voltage in absolute value, and wherein the regulator further includes a set of auxiliary transistors being connected in series between the second terminal of the regulation transistor and the output terminal of the regulator, and control means for controlling the auxiliary transistors according to the regulated voltage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to the field of semiconductor IntegratedCircuits (ICs); more particularly, the invention relates to voltageregulators integrated in chips of semiconductor material.

2. Discussion of the Related Art

ICs can be classified in two broad categories, depending on themagnitude of the voltage differences that occur across the terminals ofthe electronic components included therein.

More specifically, in ICs belonging to a first category, from now oncalled “low-voltage ICs”, all the electronic components can onlywithstand (without malfunctioning or breaking thereof voltagedifferences between their terminals that are limited by a relatively lowvalue—typically equal to the IC power supply voltage (such as 1.8V-3V).For example, those electronic components are low-voltage MOSFETs, whichmay be subjected to gate oxide breaking or undesired junction'sbreakdown when voltages exceeding the supply voltage are applied totheir terminals (for example, between their gate terminal and any otherterminal thereof.

The ICs belonging to a second category, from now on called “high-voltageICs”, instead include electronic components that guarantee thecapability of withstanding, at least between a pair of their terminals,higher voltage differences (such as up to 12-14V). For example, thosecomponents may be high-voltage MOSFETs, which are designed in such a wayto avoid the occurrence of gate oxide breaking or undesired junction'sbreakdown even when high voltages exceeding the supply voltage areapplied to their terminals.

For example, high-voltage ICs are common in the field of memory devices,and especially in non-volatile memories; indeed, in this casehigh-voltages are generally used to modify the stored data (e.g., toprogram and/or erase selected memory cells), so that the correspondingcircuitry should be implemented with high-voltage components.

The high voltages needed by the non-volatile memories may be providedfrom the outside, or—more advantageously—they are generated directly onchip. In the latter case, the generation of the high voltages isaccomplished by dedicated boosting circuits, like charge pumps, whichare capable of generating voltages higher than the IC supplyvoltage—starting from it. Typically, such boosting circuits are coupledto a voltage regulator, which is used to stabilize the high voltage thusobtained (so as to reduce any possible variation of its value from thedesired one). Moreover, the voltage regulator is generally able tomodulate the (stabilized) high voltage that is output so makingavailable different values thereof (at most equal to the high voltagereceived from the boosting circuit). Since the voltage regulator managesthe above-mentioned high voltages, it should be implemented withhigh-voltage components (such as high-voltage MOSFETs).

Generally, the high-voltage MOSFETs have a gate oxide layer thicker thanthat used for the low-voltage MOSFETs. Indeed, the thicker the gateoxide layer the higher the voltage withstood at the terminals of theMOSFETs (without any undesired breaking). Since the high-voltage MOSFETsoccupy more silicon area than the low-voltage MOSFETs, the voltageregulator wastes a significant area of a chip wherein the non-volatilememory is integrated.

Moreover, the non-volatile memory manages low-voltages as well (forexample, in its control circuits). For this reason, both low-voltageMOSFETs and high-voltage MOSFETs should be provided.

Such a requirement increases the number of processing steps and masks(for example, for differentiating the oxide thickness of the low-voltageand high-voltage MOSFETs); this has a detrimental impact on themanufacturing process of the non-volatile memory.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In general terms, the present invention is based on the idea ofproviding a regulator for high voltages that may be implemented withlow-voltage components.

According to one embodiment, a voltage regulator that is integrated in achip of semiconductor material is provided. The regulator has a firstinput terminal for receiving a first voltage, and an output terminal forproviding a regulated voltage (which is obtained from the firstvoltage). The regulator includes a differential amplifier. Thedifferential amplifier is adapted to receive a comparison voltage and afeedback signal (being a function of the regulated voltage), and toprovide a regulation signal (according to a comparison between thecomparison voltage and the feedback signal); the differential amplifierhas a first supply terminal (which is coupled with a reference terminalfor receiving a reference voltage) and a second supply terminal. Theregulator further includes a regulation transistor. The regulationtransistor has a control terminal for receiving the regulation signal;moreover, it has a first conduction terminal and a second conductionterminal, which are coupled—through loading means—between the referenceterminal and the first input terminal of the regulator. The secondterminal of the regulation transistor is coupled with the outputterminal of the regulator. The second supply terminal of the comparisonamplifier is coupled with a second input terminal of the regulator, forreceiving a second voltage that is lower than the first voltage inabsolute value. The regulator further includes a set of auxiliarytransistors, which are connected in series between the second terminalof the regulation transistor and the output terminal of the regulator.Control means is also provided for controlling the auxiliary transistorsaccording to the regulated voltage.

According to another embodiment, an output transistor with similarauxiliary transistors (connected in series thereto and controlledaccording to the first voltage) is also provided.

In this way, the differential amplifier and all the transistors may beimplemented with low-voltage components.

For example, the transistors are (low-voltage) MOSFETs.

An embodiment of the invention also proposes a specific sequence ofoperations to be performed for controlling the voltage regulator.

The above-mentioned operations preferably involve the execution of aloop, with the regulated voltage that is increased by a predefined deltavalue at each iteration thereof.

Typically, the delta value is substantially equal to the second voltageminus a threshold voltage of the transistors.

As a further improvement, a start-up condition of the voltage regulatoris enforced at the beginning.

According to another embodiment, a non-volatile memory device includingthe voltage regulator is provided.

Preferably, the first voltage is a supply voltage of the memory deviceand the second voltage is a boosted voltage being obtained from thesupply voltage.

According to another embodiment, a method for operating the voltageregulator is provided.

According to another embodiment, a software program for performing themethod is provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a schematic block diagram of a memory device in which thesolution according to an embodiment of the invention can be used;

FIG. 2 schematically shows a conventional voltage regulator;

FIG. 3 schematically shows a voltage regulator according to anembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 shows a flow-chart describing the operation of the voltageregulator according to an embodiment of the present invention; and

FIGS. 5A-5G schematically show the voltage regulator of FIG. 3 duringthe operation thereof according to an embodiment of the presentinvention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference in particular to FIG. 1, a non-volatile memory device 100is schematically represented. The memory device 100 includes one or moresectors 105 (only one shown in the Figure). The sector 105 includes aplurality of memory cells MC, each one comprising a floating gate MOStransistor. In particular, the memory device 100 is of the flash type,wherein the memory cells MC of the sector 105 should be erased at thesame time.

The memory cells MC are arranged in rows and columns. The memory cellsMC of each column have the drain terminals connected to a respective bitline BL, while the memory cells MC of each row have the gate terminalsconnected to a respective word line WL. The source terminals of all thememory cells MC are maintained at a reference voltage GND (or ground).

The memory device 100 receives an addressing code ADD for accessing thememory cells MC. A portion of the addressing code ADD is supplied to acolumn decoder 125, which selects a set of desired bit lines BL (such as8). Another portion of the addressing code ADD is supplied to a rowdecoder 130, which selects one desired word line WL.

The column decoder 125 couples the selected bit lines BL to a read-writecircuit 135. The read/write circuit 135 includes all the components(e.g., sense amplifiers, comparators, reference current/voltagegenerators, pulse generators, program loads, and the like), which arenormally required for writing desired logical values into the selectedmemory cells MC and for reading the logical values currently storedtherein. The read/write circuit 135 is coupled with externallyaccessible terminals of the memory device 100 (not shown in figure) forreceiving/delivering data.

The memory device 100 further includes a Power Management Unit 140. ThePMU 140 provides the biasing voltages that are used for performing theconventional operations (such as read, program, erase and verify) on thememory device 100. For this purpose, the PMU 140 includes a boostingcircuit—typically implemented by a charge pump 145—which receives asupply voltage Vdd of the memory device 100 (such as 1.8-3V) from theoutside and outputs different operative voltages Vhv; the operativevoltages Vhv are generally higher in absolute value than the supplyvoltage Vdd (for example, ranging from −9V to 18V). The charge pump 145is coupled with a voltage regulator 150, which outputs regulatedvoltages Vreg (being obtained by stabilizing the operative voltagesVhv).

Operation of the flash memory 100 is managed by a micro-controller 155.Particularly, the micro-controller 155 includes a control unit 160providing control signals (referred to as a whole with Sc), which areused for driving the various components of the memory device 100. Thecontrol unit 160 uses a RAM 165 as a working memory. Operation of thecontrol unit 160 is controlled by a low-level software program (orfirmware), which is stored in a ROM 170.

Referring to FIG. 2, a conventional implementation of the voltageregulator 150 is schematically represented. The voltage regulator 150includes a differential amplifier 205, which is supplied between theground voltage GND and the operative voltage Vhv. The differentialamplifier 205 has a negative input terminal that receives a comparisonreference voltage Vref (such as, 1V) from a reference generator 215, anda positive input terminal that receives a feedback signal Vfb (asdescribed in the following). An output terminal of the differentialamplifier 205 generates a regulation signal Vr, which is applied to acontrol terminal of a regulation p-channel MOSFET Mp. The MOSFET Mp hasa source terminal that is connected to an input terminal of the voltageregulator 150 (receiving the operative voltage Vhv), and a drainterminal that is connected to a reference terminal (providing the groundvoltage GND) through a load resistor 210. A capacitor Cm is connectedbetween the control terminal and the drain terminal of the MOSFET Mp, inorder to reduce any fluctuations of the voltage at its drain terminal.The drain terminal of the MOSFET Mp provides an intermediate voltage Visubstantially at the desired value. The intermediate voltage Vi isapplied to a control terminal of an output n-channel MOSFET Mn. TheMOSFET Mn has a drain terminal that receives the operative voltage Vhvand a source terminal that is connected to a voltage divider.Particularly, the source terminal of the MOSFET Mn is connected to afirst terminal of a resistor R1; a second terminal of the resistor R1 isconnected to a first terminal of a potentiometer Rp, which has a secondterminal connected to the reference terminal. The central tap of thevoltage divider (i.e., between the resistor R1 and the potentiometer Rp)provides the feedback signal Vfb, which is returned to the differentialamplifier 205. The source terminal of the MOSFET Mn defines an outputterminal of the voltage regulator 150, which provides the regulatedvoltage Vreg; particularly, the MOSFET Mn is connected in a voltagefollower configuration so as to transfer the intermediate voltage Viwith reduced output impedance (thereby allowing driving high capacitiveloads, not shown in the figure).

During the operation of the voltage regulator 150, a negative feedbackis established so that the feedback signal Vfb reaches a valuesubstantially equal to the reference voltage Vref. In such condition, acurrent I flows through the potentiometer Rp, which current I has avalue equal to the ratio between the reference voltage Vref and theresistance of the potentiometer Rp. Such current I also flows throughthe resistor R1 (since ideally no current flows in the positive inputterminal of the differential amplifier 205) and through the MOSFET Mn.As a result, the regulated voltage Vreg is given by the followingrelation (hereinafter, the electrical quantities will be denoted withthe same symbols used for the corresponding circuital elements):Vreg=Vref[(R1/Rp)+1]

In such a way, by varying the resistance of the potentiometer Rp, it ispossible to set the regulated voltage Vreg to any desired value belowthe operative voltage Vhv (for example ranging from 1V to 11V). Theregulated voltage Vreg is stabilized with respect to any ripples of theoperative voltage Vhv (for example, due to thermal phenomena). Indeed,if the operative voltage Vhv increases, the regulated voltage Vreg andthe feedback signal Vfb increase accordingly. As a result, theregulation signal Vr increases; therefore, the voltage at the drainterminal of the MOSFET Mp decreases and brings back the regulatedvoltage Vreg to the desired value (by means of the MOSFET Mn). Similarconsiderations apply if the operative voltage Vhv decreases.

As it can be noted, the differential amplifier 205 is supplied by theoperative voltage Vhv. Moreover, when the regulated voltage Vreg reacheslow values (for example, 1-2V) the MOSFETs Mp and Mn receivehigh-voltages at their terminals. Therefore, in order to guarantee thecorrect operation of the voltage regulator 150, its components should beimplemented by high-voltage MOSFETs.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an implementation of the voltage regulatoraccording to an embodiment of the present invention (denoted with 150I)is schematically shown (wherein elements identical or similar to thoseshown in FIG. 2 are denoted by the same reference numerals).

In this case, the differential amplifier is replaced with an equivalentcircuit (denoted with 205I), which is supplied between the supplyvoltage Vdd and the ground voltage GND (so that is can be implemented bymeans of low-voltage components only). Moreover, the regulation MOSFETMp and the output MOSFET Mn are replaced by a regulation circuital block305 and by an output circuital block 310, respectively.

In addition, the voltage regulator 150I further includes a (low-voltage)P-channel MOSFET Mforce that has a source terminal receiving the supplyvoltage Vdd, a drain terminal connected to the central tap of thevoltage divider R1, Rp and a control terminal receiving a startingsignal START_N. Moreover, a (low-voltage) n-channel MOSFET Mb isinterposed between the potentiometer Rp and the reference terminal (withits drain terminal and source terminal connected to the potentiometer Rpand to the reference terminal, respectively); the MOSFET Mb has acontrol terminal that receives an activation signal BUF_N.

In detail, the regulation circuital block 305 includes an n-channelMOSFET MS that has a source terminal connected to the referenceterminal, and a control terminal connected to the output terminal of thedifferential amplifier 2051 (thus receiving the regulation signal Vr).The use of the MOSFET MS of the n-type (instead of one of the p-type asin the above described prior art) avoids any breaking thereof even withthe low value of the regulation signal Vr (currently limited by thesupply voltage Vdd).

One or more (auxiliary) n-type MOSFETs MSi (with i=1.5 in the example atissue) are connected in series to the drain terminal of the MOSFET MS.Particularly, each MOSFET MSi has a source terminal (referred to as nodeSi) connected to the drain terminal of a preceding MOSFET MSi−1, withthe exception of the source terminal of the first MOSFET MS1 that isconnected to the drain terminal of the MOSFET MS. The drain terminal ofthe last MOSFET MS5 is coupled with an input terminal of the voltageregulator 150I (receiving the operative voltage Vhv) through a loadresistor Rpup; the drain terminal of the MOSFET MS5 provides theintermediate voltage Vi. Each MOSFET MSi has a control terminalreceiving a corresponding control signal VHSi. As it will be apparent inthe following, the MOSFETs MSi are controlled so as to avoid theirbreaking for any value of the intermediate voltage Vi (and then of theregulated voltage Vreg).

Likewise, the output circuital block 310 includes an n-channel MOSFET MFthat has a control terminal receiving the intermediate voltage Vi, and asource terminal connected to the output terminal of the voltageregulator 150I (providing the regulated voltage Vreg). One or more(auxiliary) n-type MOSFETs MFj (with j=1.4 in the example at issue) areconnected in series to a drain terminal of the MOSFET MF. Particularly,each MOSFET MFj has a source terminal (referred to as node Fj), which isconnected to the drain terminal of a preceding MOSFET MFj−1, with theexception of the source terminal of the first MOSFET MF1 that isconnected to the drain terminal of the MOSFET MF. The drain terminal ofthe last MOSFET MF4 directly receives the operative voltage Vhv.Moreover, each MOSFET MFj has a control terminal receiving acorresponding control signal VHFj. As it will be apparent in thefollowing, the MOSFETs MFj are controlled so as to avoid their breakingfor any value of the operative voltage Vhv.

The control signals VHS1-VHS5 and VHF1-VHF4 are generated by properlypartitioning (through a voltage divider 335) the operative voltage Vhvso as to obtain lower voltages V1-V5. The voltages V1-V5 are then feedto two sets 340 of voltage switches that are adapted to generate(according to the state of corresponding signals ENABLE1 and ENABLE2),the control signals VHS1-VHS5 and VHF1-VHF4, respectively. Preferably,the voltage switches of each set 340 are implemented by means oflow-voltage MOSFETs only, as described in the co-pending PatentApplication No. EP06111477.3 filed on 21 Mar. 2006, the entiredisclosure of which is herein incorporated by reference.

As better described in the following, during the operation of thevoltage regulator 150I, the regulated voltage Vreg may take differentvalues, for example ranging from a minimum predetermined value Vmin (inthe example at issue, 1V) to a maximum predetermined value Vmax (in theexample at issue, 11V). For this purpose, the regulated voltage Vrog isincreased from the minimum predetermined value Vmin to the maximumpredetermined value Vmax in succession by a delta value ΔV equal to thesupply voltage Vdd minus a threshold voltage Vgs of the MOSFETs (in theexample at issue, ΔV=3−1=2V). This feature ensures that during theincrease of the regulated voltage Vreg (including any transient periods)each MOSFET is properly biased so as to sustain at its terminals at mostthe supply voltage Vdd.

When the regulated voltage Vreg reaches low values (down to the minimumvalue Vmin=1V) the arrangement of the MOSFETs MF, MF1-MF4 ensures thatthe voltages sustained by each MOSFET MF, MF1-MF4 (at its terminals) areat most equal to the supply voltage Vdd (meaning that the outputcircuital block 310 only includes low-voltage MOSFETs MF, MF1-MF4).

In particular, the minimum number M of the MOSFETs MFi (connected inseries to the MOSFET MF) depends substantially on the operative voltageVhv (disregarding the minimum value Vmin of the regulated voltage Vreg)and the maximum voltage that may be sustained at the terminals of theMOSFETs MF, MF1-MF4 (that is, the supply voltage Vdd). In particular, inorder to avoid any breaking of the MOSFETs MF, MFj the followingcondition should be met:Vhv≦(M+1)*VddTherefore, the number M of the MOSFETs MFj is given by:M≧Vhv/Vdd−1In the example at issue (wherein Vhv=11V and Vdd=3V), we haveM≧14/3−1=4.

Vice-versa, when the regulated voltage Vreg reaches high values (up tothe maximum value Vmax=11V) the arrangement of the MOSFETs MS, MS1-MS5ensures that the voltages sustained by each MOSFET MS, MS1-MS5 (at itsterminals) are at most equal to the supply voltage Vdd (meaning that theregulation circuital block 305 only includes low-voltage MOSFETs MS,MS1-MS5).

In particular, the minimum number N of the MOSFETs MSi (connected inseries to the MOSFET MS) depends on the maximum value Vmax of theregulated voltage Vreg and the delta value ΔV=Vdd−Vgs (since a MOSFETMSi is required for each increase of the intermediate voltage Vi—andthen of the regulated voltage Vreg—by the delta value ΔV). Inparticular, the following condition should be met:Vmax≦(N+1)*(Vdd−Vgs)Therefore, the number N of the MOSFETs MSi is given by:N≧Vmax/(Vdd−Vgs)−1In the example at issue, we then have N≧11/(3−1)−1=5.

Likewise, the capacitor Cm may be obtained by means of a minimum numberJ of series-connected low-voltage capacitors (implemented by means ofcorresponding low-voltage MOSFETs). In this case as well, the number Jdepends on the maximum value Vmax of the regulated voltage Vreg and themaximum voltage which may be sustained at the terminals of theselow-voltage MOSFETs (i.e., the supply voltage Vdd). In particular, thefollowing condition should be met:Vmax≦|J|*VddTherefore, the number J of the low-voltage MOSFETs used to implement thecapacitor Cm is given by:J≧Vmax/VddIn the example at issue, we have J≧14/3=5.

With reference now to FIG. 4, there is shown a method 400 disclosing theoperation of the above-described voltage regulator according to anembodiment of the present invention. The method 400 starts at the block405 and then moves to the block 410. At the beginning, the startingsignal START_N and the activation signal BUF_N are at the ground voltageGND; moreover, each control signal VHSi is at the supply voltage Vdd andeach control signal VHFj is at a value equal to j*Vdd (in the example atissue, the control signals VHF1-VHF4 are 3V, 6V, 9V and 12V,respectively).

In this condition, as shown in FIG. 5A, the MOSFET Mforce is on. Thus,the voltage at the positive input terminal of the differential amplifier205I reaches the supply voltage Vdd (i.e., 3V). On the other hand, thedifferential amplifier 205I has the negative input terminal thatreceives the reference voltage Vref equal to 1V. In such a way, theregulation voltage Vr reaches the supply voltage Vdd (since the voltageat the positive input terminal of the differential amplifier 205I issignificantly higher than the voltage of the negative input terminalthereof). In such biasing condition, the MOSFET MS turns on, and thenthe MOSFETs MS1-MS5 turn on as well. In such a way, the nodes S1-S5 arebrought to the ground voltage GND, with the intermediate voltage V1 thatis equal to the ground voltage GND as well. At the same time, the MOSFETMb is off. Therefore, no current flows through the potentiometer Rp andthe resistor R1 so that the regulated voltage Vreg reaches the supplyvoltage Vdd. The MOSFETs MF, MF1-MF4 are not conductive (since they areseries-connected to the resistor R1). In this condition, each node Fjreaches a voltage at least equal to the control signal VHFj minus thethreshold voltage of the MOSFET MFj. In the example at issue, the nodesF1-F4 reach the voltages 2V, 5V, 8V and 11V, respectively. This ensuresthat the operation of the voltage regulator 150I starts from awell-defined condition for its correct functioning.

Returning to FIG. 4, the block 410 is followed by the block 415, whereinthe starting signal START_N is brought to the supply voltage Vdd.

In this condition, as shown in FIG. 5B, the MOSFET Mforce turns off. Thenegative feedback so established forces the feedback signal Vfb to thesame value of the reference voltage Vref (i.e., 1V). Since no currentflows through the potentiometer Rp and the resistor R1 (being the MOSFETMb off) the regulated voltage Vreg reaches the reference voltage Vref aswell. The MOSFETs MF, MF1-MF4 are again not conductive (since they areseries-connected to the resistor R1), with the nodes Fj that remain atthe same voltages of 2V, 5V, 8V and 11V, respectively. In thiscondition, the control terminal of the MOSFET MF (i.e., the intermediatevoltage Vi) reaches at most the regulated voltage Vreg plus thethreshold voltage of the MOSFET MF (in the example at issue, 1+1=2V).Therefore, the source terminal of each transistor MSi (i.e., the nodesS1-S5) are brought to the same voltage of 2V.

Returning to FIG. 4, the block 415 is followed by the block 420, whereintwo parameters K and Vf are initialized. In particular, the parameter Kis set to 2 and the parameter Vf is set to the value of the supplyvoltage Vdd. Then, the method 400 moves to the block 425, wherein theactivation signal BUF_N is brought to the supply voltage Vdd. The method400 then enters a loop that starts at the block 430, wherein theparameter Vf is increased by the delta value ΔV (in the example atissue, ΔV=2V), that is Vf=3+2=5V. Then, the method 400 moves to theblock 435 wherein an index x (used as a counter) is initialized to 1.Thus, the method 400 verifies at the block 440 whether the controlsignal VHFx (starting from x=1) is lower than the parameter Vf. In thepositive case, the control signal VHFx is set to the parameter Vf at theblock 445, and the flow of activity descends into block 450; the samepoint is also reached from block 440 directly otherwise. In any case, atest is performed at the block 450 for determining whether the value ofthe parameter x is lower than the number M (in the example at issue,M=4). If such condition is verified, the activity flow moves to theblock 455, wherein the parameter x is incremented by one. Then, themethod returns to the block 440 for reiterating the above describedoperations (in the example at issue, verifying the values of the controlsignals VHF2-VHF4). The loop ends when the verification of the block 450has a negative result (meaning that every MOSFET MFj receives acorresponding control signal VHFj that is at least equal to the value ofthe parameter Vf). In such case, the method continues to the block 460,wherein the regulated voltage Vreg (starting from 1V) is increased by anamount equal to the delta value ΔV=2V, that is Vreg=1V+2V=3V.

Then, the method 400 moves to the block 465 wherein a test is performedfor determining whether the value of the parameter K is higher than thenumber N (in the example at issue, N=5). If such condition is notverified, the activity flow moves to the block 470, wherein anotherindex y (used as a counter) is initialized to the value of the parameterK (i.e., y=2). The method 400 then passes to the block 485, wherein thecontrol signal VHSy (starting from y=K) is increased by the delta valueΔV=2V. A test is performed at the block 490 for determining whether thevalue of the index y is lower than or equal to the number N. If suchcondition is not verified, the method 400 moves at the block 495 whereinthe index y is incremented by one. Then the method 400 returns to theblock 485 for reiterating the above described operations. In case ofpositive result, the method 400 moves from the block 490 to the block496, wherein the parameter K is incremented by one. Then, the method 400moves to the block 497. The same point is also reached from block 465directly when the parameter K is higher than the number N. The method400 then moves to the block 497, wherein it verifies whether theregulated voltage Vreg has reached (or exceeded) the maximum value Vmax.In case of positive result, the method 400 ends at the block 498; viceversa the method 400 returns to the block 430 for reiterating the abovedescribed operations.

The condition after the first iteration of the loop 430-497 is shown inFIG. 5C. Particularly, the MOSFET Mforce turns off—so as not to affectthe feedback loop any longer—and the MOSFET Mb turns on—so that acurrent now flows through the MOSFET Mb and the potentiometer Rp. At thesame time, the control signal VHF1 (being the only one lower than theparameter Vf=5V) is brought to the same voltage of 5V. As above, thenegative feedback so established forces the feedback signal Vfb to thesame value of the reference voltage Vref (i.e., 1V). The current flowingthrough the potentiometer Rp also flows through the resistor R1 (nocurrent flows through the MOSFET Mforce because it is off); therefore,by varying the value of the resistance of the potentiometer Rp it ispossible to bring the regulated voltage Vreg to the desired value of1+2=3V. The current from the voltage divider R1, Rp flows through theMOSFETs MF, MF1-MF4 that are then conductive. In such condition, eachnode Fj reaches a voltage at most equal to the control signal VHFj minusthe threshold voltage of the MOSFET MFj. In the example at issue, thenodes F1-F4 reach the voltages 4V, 5V, 8V, 11V, respectively. Theintermediate voltage Vi now reaches a voltage at least equal to theregulated voltage Vreg plus the threshold voltage of the MOSFET MF (inthe example at issue, 3+1=4V).

Thereafter, the control signals VHS2-VHS5 (being the parameter K=2) areincreased by 2V, so as to be brought to 3+2=5V. A corresponding currentflows through the load resistor Rpup, and then through the MOSFETs MS,MS1-MS5 (which are again conductive). As a result, each node Si reachesa voltage at most equal to the control signal VHSi minus the thresholdvoltage of the MOSFETs Msi. In the example at issue, the nodes S1-S5reach the voltages 2V, 4V, 4V, 4V, 4V, respectively. As can be noted,the choice of the delta value ΔV=2V ensures that the MOSFET MS5 operatescorrectly even for any slight fluctuation of the intermediate voltage Viduring the transient period.

The condition after the second iteration of the loop is shown in FIG.5D. As above, the parameter Vf is increased to 5+2=7V, and then thecontrol signals VHF1-VHF2 are brought to the same voltage of 7V. Theregulated voltage Vreg is now brought to 3+2=5V. The nodes F1-F4 thenreach the voltages 6V, 6V, 8V, 11V, respectively and the intermediatevoltage Vi now reaches 5+1=6V. The parameter K is increased to 2+1=3,and then the control signals VHS3-VHS5 are increased by 2V, so as to bebrought to 5+2=7V. The nodes S1-S5 then reach the voltages 2V, 4V, 6V,6V, 6V, respectively.

Likewise, at the third iteration of the loop (as shown in FIG. 5E), theparameter Vf is increased to 7+2=9V, and then the control signalsVHF1-VHF2 are brought to the same voltage of 9V. The regulated voltageVreg is now brought to 5+2=7V. The nodes F1-F4 then reach the voltages8V, 8V, 8V, 11V, respectively and the intermediate voltage V1 nowreaches 7+1=8V. The parameter K is increased to 3+1=4, and then thecontrol signals VHS4-VHS5 are increased by 2V, so as to be brought to9V. The nodes S1-S5 then reach the voltages 2V, 4V, 6V, 8V, 8V,respectively.

Continuing to FIG. 5F, at the fourth iteration of the loop the parameterVf is increased to 9+2=11V, and then the control signals VHF1-VHF3 arebrought to the same voltage of 11V. The regulated voltage Vreg is nowbrought to 7+2=9V. The nodes F1-F4 then reach the voltages 10V, 10V,10V, 11V, respectively and the intermediate voltage Vi now reaches9+1=10V. The parameter K is increased to 4+1=5, and then the controlsignal VHS5 is increased by 2V, so as to be brought to 11V. The nodeS1-S5 then reach the voltages 2V, 4V, 6V, 8V, 10V, respectively.

At the end, at the fifth and last iteration of the loop (as shown inFIG. 5G), the parameter Vf is increased to 11+2=13V, and then all thecontrol signals VHF1-VHF4 are brought to the same voltage of 13V. Theregulated voltage Vreg is now brought to 9+2=11V (i.e., it reaches themaximum value Vmax defining the exit condition of the loop). All thenodes F1-F4 and the intermediate voltage V1 then reach the same voltageof 12V. The parameter K is increased to 5+1=6, and then no furtheroperation is required for the control signals VHSi—since the conditionfor dropping the corresponding blocks (i.e., y<N) is satisfied.

In this way, the regulated voltage Vreg may be brought to any desiredvalue (from the minimum value Vmin to the maximum value Vmax), by simplyinterrupting the above-described iterations of the loop at will. In anycase (as in the example at issue, wherein the regulated voltage Vreg isto be brought to the maximum value Vmax), the regulated voltage Vreg isincreased in succession by the delta value ΔV=2V at each iteration ofthe loop. In this way, as clearly shown in the FIGS. 5A-5G, in everycondition all the MOSFETs of the proposed voltage regulator aresubjected to voltage differences (between any pair of their terminals)that are at most equal to the supply voltage Vdd (i.e., 3 V);consequently, the whole voltage regulator may be implemented using lowvoltage MOSFETs only.

Therefore, it is possible to reduce the area of the chip wherein thememory device is integrated.

Moreover, it is now possible to use a single process (based on theprocessing steps and masks for the low-voltage MOSFETs) formanufacturing the memory device including this voltage regulator; thishas a beneficial impact on the manufacturing process of the whole memorydevice.

Naturally, in order to satisfy local and specific requirements, a personskilled in the art may apply to the solution described above manymodifications and alterations. Particularly, although the presentinvention has been described with a certain degree of particularity withreference to preferred embodiment(s) thereof, it should be understoodthat various omissions, substitutions and changes in the form anddetails as well as other embodiments are possible; moreover, it isexpressly intended that specific elements and/or method steps describedin connection with any disclosed embodiment of the invention may beincorporated in any other embodiment as a general matter of designchoice.

Particularly, the numerical examples described above are merelyillustrative and should not be interpreted in a limitative manner.Moreover, similar considerations apply if the voltage regulator has adifferent structure or includes equivalent components. In any case, theproposed technique may also be applied to negative voltages (by means ofa dual structure).

It should be noted that the same result may also be achieved with adifferent number of auxiliary transistors for the regulator transistor(down to a single one).

Likewise, the voltage divider may be replaced with any equivalentstructure; as above, a different number of auxiliary transistors for theoutput transistor may be used (down to a single one). In any case, asimplified implementation of the voltage regulator without theabove-described output stage is contemplated.

The concepts of the present invention are also applicable to MOSFETscapable of sustaining between each pair of their terminals a voltagedifference (slightly) higher than the supply voltage.

Alternatively, it is possible to exchange the p-type and n-type MOSFETs,to replace the MOSFETs with other types of transistors (such as bipolartransistors), or with equivalent electronic components.

Similar considerations apply if the positions of the resistor and of thepotentiometer are exchanged in the voltage divider; in any case, asimplified implementation wherein the regulated voltage can take apredefined value only is not excluded.

Although reference has been made to a specific non-volatile memorydevice, the concepts of the present invention are also applicable toother memory devices (such as multilevel flash memories, EEPROMs orphase-change memories); in any case, the voltage regulator according tothe present invention lends itself to be exploited in any otherelectronic device.

Likewise, the same voltage regulator may be used for regulating whatevervoltage.

Moreover, the proposed solution lends itself to be implemented with anequivalent method (by using similar steps, removing some steps being notessential, or adding further optional steps—even in a different order).For example, at the beginning the minimum value for the regulatedvoltage may be set to a different value (up to the supply voltage) orthe control signals may be initialized in a different way; moreover, itis possible to update the control signals with an equivalent algorithmat each iteration of the loop.

In any case, nothing prevents incrementing the regulated voltage at eachiteration of the loop by another value (up to the supply voltage).

Alternatively, it is possible to enforce an equivalent start-upcondition of the voltage regulator; however, this feature is notstrictly necessary, and it may be omitted in a simplified implementationof the invention.

Similar considerations apply if the software program (which may be usedto implement each embodiment of the invention) causes themicro-controller to perform equivalent operations. In any case, theprogram may take any form suitable to be used by or in connection withany logic controller. Moreover, it is possible to provide the program onany micro-controller usable medium; the medium can be any elementsuitable to contain, store, communicate, propagate, or transfer theprogram. For example, the medium may be of the electronic, magnetic,optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor type. In any case,the solution according to the present invention lends itself to beimplemented with a hardware structure, or with a combination of softwareand hardware.

It should be readily apparent that the proposed voltage regulator may bepart of the design of an integrated circuit. The design may also becreated in a programming language; moreover, if the designer does notfabricate chips or masks, the design may be transmitted by physicalmeans to others. In any case, the resulting integrated circuit may bedistributed by its manufacturer in raw wafer form, as a bare die, or inpackages form. Moreover, the device may be integrated with othercircuits in the same chip, or it may be mounted in intermediate products(such as mother boards). In any case, the integrated circuit is suitableto be used in complex systems (such as computers).

Having thus described at least one illustrative embodiment of theinvention, various alterations, modifications, and improvements willreadily occur to those skilled in the art. Such alterations,modifications, and improvements are intended to be within the spirit andscope of the invention. Accordingly, the foregoing description is by wayof example only and is not intended as limiting. The invention islimited only as defined in the following claims and the equivalentsthereto.

1. A voltage regulator integrated in a chip of semiconductor materialhaving a first input terminal for receiving a first voltage and anoutput terminal for providing a regulated voltage being obtained fromthe first voltage, the regulator including: a differential amplifier forreceiving a comparison voltage and a feedback signal being a function ofthe regulated voltage, and for proving a regulation signal according toa comparison between the comparison voltage and the feedback signal, thedifferential amplifier having a first supply terminal being coupled witha reference terminal for receiving a reference voltage and a secondsupply terminal, a regulation transistor having a control terminal forreceiving the regulation signal, and a first conduction terminal and asecond conduction terminal being coupled through loading means betweenthe reference terminal and the first input terminal of the regulator,the second terminal of the regulation transistor being coupled with theoutput terminal of the regulator, wherein the second supply terminal ofthe differential amplifier is coupled with a second input terminal ofthe regulator for receiving a second voltage being lower than the firstvoltage in absolute value, and wherein the regulator further includes aset of auxiliary transistors being connected in series between thesecond terminal of the regulation transistor and the output terminal ofthe regulator, and control means for controlling the auxiliarytransistors according to the regulated voltage.
 2. The regulatoraccording to claim 1, further including an output transistor having acontrol terminal being coupled with the second terminal of theregulation transistor through the auxiliary transistors, a firstconduction terminal being coupled with the reference terminal through avoltage divider, the first terminal of the output transistor providingthe regulated voltage and the voltage divider providing the feedbacksignal, and a second conduction terminal being coupled with the firstinput terminal of the regulator through a set of further auxiliarytransistors being connected in series, the control means being furtheradapted to control the further auxiliary transistors according to thefirst voltage.
 3. The regulator according to claim 1, wherein thedifferential amplifier, and the auxiliary transistors are adapted towithstand at most the second voltage, the control means controlling theauxiliary transistors further according to the second voltage.
 4. Theregulator according to claim 1, wherein each auxiliary transistorcomprises a MOSFET, the first terminal comprising a source terminal andthe second terminal comprising a drain terminal.
 5. The regulatoraccording to claim 2, wherein the differential amplifier and the furtherauxiliary transistors are adapted to withstand at most the secondvoltage the control means controlling the further auxiliary transistorsaccording to the second voltage.
 6. The regulator according to claim 2,wherein each further auxiliary transistor comprises a MOSFET, the firstterminal comprising a source terminal and the second terminal comprisinga drain terminal.
 7. The regulator according to claim 2, wherein thevoltage divider includes means for selecting the regulated voltage, thecontrol means including means for causing the means for selecting to setthe regulated voltage to a minimum value at most equal to the secondvoltage and for setting a set of control signals for the auxiliarytransistors to the second voltage and a set of further control signalsfor the further auxiliary transistors to values increasing from thesecond voltage by the second voltage moving away from the outputtransistor, and means for repeating, until the regulated voltage reachesa chosen target value, the operations of causing the means for selectingto increase the regulated voltage by a delta value at most equal to thesecond voltage, of setting the further control signals lower than aparameter voltage equal to the regulated voltage plus the delta value tothe parameter voltage, and of increasing the control signals by thedelta value for the auxiliary transistors from a present one to a lastone moving away from the regulation transistor, the present auxiliarytransistor being incremented by one at each iteration starting from thesecond one.
 8. The regulator according to claim 7, wherein the deltavalue is substantially equal to the second voltage minus a thresholdvoltage of each transistor.
 9. The regulator according to claim 7,wherein the control means including means for enforcing a start-upcondition of the regulator by forcing the feedback signal to a value atmost equal to the second voltage.
 10. A non-volatile memory deviceincluding the voltage regulator of claim
 1. 11. The memory device ofclaim 10, wherein the second voltage is a supply voltage of the memorydevice, the memory device further including boosting means forgenerating the first voltage from the second voltage.
 12. A method foroperating the voltage regulator of claim 2, comprising: setting theregulated voltage to a minimum value at most equal to the secondvoltage, and setting a set of control signals for the auxiliarytransistors to the second voltage and a set of further control signalsfor the further auxiliary transistors to values increasing from thesecond voltage by the second voltage moving away from the outputtransistor, and repeating, until the regulated voltage reaches a chosentarget value, the operations of: increasing the regulated voltage by adelta value at most equal to the second voltage, setting the furthercontrol signals lower than a parameter voltage equal to the regulatedvoltage plus the delta value to the parameter voltage, and increasingthe control signals by the delta value for the auxiliary transistorsfrom a present one to a last one moving away from the regulationtransistor, the present auxiliary transistor being incremented by one ateach iteration starting from the second one.
 13. The method according toclaim 12, wherein the delta value is substantially equal to the secondvoltage minus a threshold voltage of each transistor.
 14. The methodaccording to claim 12, further including the step of: enforcing astart-up condition of the regulator by forcing the feedback signal to avalue at most equal to the second voltage.
 15. A software program forperforming the method of claim 12 when the software program is executedon a logic controller.